White Willow

Name: White willow

Latin name: Salix alba

Family:  Salicaceae

Parts Used: Bark

Taste: Bitter

Energetics: Cooling

Key actions: Analgesic, inflammation modulator, astringent, anti-rheumatic

White willow bark contains salicylic acid which has a natural aspirin-like effect without gastric upset. Because of this, White willow bark has been traditionally used as an analgesic, dating back to the middle ages.